Adverse Economic Impacts on the Occupationally Insecure Workforce in Thailand Amid the Pandemic

Abstract

The author suggests a range of public policies that the Thai government should employ so as to help Thai nationals and smaller-size businesses weather the storm of the pandemic. As the Thai economy is significantly tied to its tourism development, it is not pragmatic for Thai authorities and nationals to aim at full economic recovery in the short- and mid-term. In the short-term, Thai authorities should help local businesses and nationals to satisfy household subsistence. Then, the Thai government should create more job opportunities for the Thai workforce and financially support local businesses in the short- and mid-term. Concurrently, the Thai government should expand their delivery of social protection schemes to Thai nationals, helping local populations obtain basic social welfare services that are conducive to their survival. In the longer-term, the Thai government should welcome international tourisms in phases, and co-build transport infrastructures with neighbouring countries in order to prepare a full re-opening of national borders in due course.